As the tributes to Richie flood in, there is a strong and consistent picture of this wonderful man: thoughtful, patient, and quietly supportive. Richie didn’t help people for recognition; he did it because caring for others was simply part of who he was. Always happiest watching and laughing from the periphery. Loved his time with family and friends.

We hope these words will give people a flavour of the kind of man he was.

Richie grew up in Southend/Leigh on Sea and attended North Staffs Polytechnic after the 6th Form. He joined the rugby club in the early 90s and so began an illustrious career.

Richie played most of his career in the era before Leagues and Merit Tables, but they were no less competitive. He made his 1st XV debut in 1991 and continued playing until at least 2008. He had the distinction of playing for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and Vets XV’s and was a member of the 1st XV who in 1995 - 1996 who made it through to the Quarter Finials of the National Cup. Richie successfully captained the 2nd XV in the mid 1990’s. Richie was a combative back row forward and he always performed with great skill and determination throughout his time at the club.

There are many examples of his prowess on the field and he was routinely mentioned in the match reports of local paper at the time.

This is one story from the latter part of his career, not reported in the local paper.

Picture this.... A 3rd XV friendly vs Mill Hill (A). We were re getting changed and a fella comes in the room, says they’re one short but a bloke in the bar says he’ll play - but he’s not a registered player. Are we ok? We said yes. He said, I think you ought to know - it’s Trevor Leota, the Samoan hooker. Are you still ok? There was an exchange of banter and big laughs which culminated in Trevor walking in. Silence.

Kick off: ref has told us he’s agreed not to be silly, he’ll temper his play etc. All good.

First half goes well, Trevor is doing everything. Although he’s playing hooker he’s running the show at stand off too. Tackling (nicely!), coordinating and setting up plays. Absolute professional, but he’s a beast. He’s even dropped a goal.

Richie is doing his best as blindside - as an aside, technically his tackling was incredible. With his socks round his ankles, he’d take on the biggest men and tackle them low, absorbing the shock and impact and wrapping himself around their legs. We all thought it was an incredibly dangerous but effective way of doing it, and he managed to get up afterwards. Really, really tough guy.

Second half, and we shouldn’t really be losing to this outfit. Ruck formed, they have possession, Richie goes in to steal the ball, illegally ( and dare we say, again!)
He’s not on his feet, he’s kneeling. Trevor has a solution to this problem.

We can still hear the groan as Richie was cleared out: and how - he went flying back! It’s the only time Trevor played “properly” in the whole game and showed the power for which he was known. Richie needed a moment: the referee blew up. There was a frown and wagged finger at Trevor and a genuine apology and helping hand to pick up Richie. Two great gentlemen at different ends of the game.

As players we often wondered what those hits were really like at international level, what the impact would feel like. Richie knew this first hand: a gentle warrior on the pitch.

Richie was an absolute gent both on and off pitch, a genuinely good bloke. He carried an unwavering enthusiasm for the game and a genuine care for the wellbeing of the Club. His warmth, his energy, and his loyalty were constants, and they made every encounter with him something to look forward to.

Off the pitch, Richie loved all music but particularly the blues. He was a bass guitarist himself and played in bands when younger. He passed this love of music to his son Nathan with whom he would go to various festivals and venues.

Riche was at heart a family man. There was an annual week in Swanage where Mel and Richie and his parents hired a big flat or house and people used to go down for a few days at a time. Club members were always welcome to spend time in the beach hut and muck about in the sea, also walking part of the South West Coastal Path to Swanage or Studland. Nice meals and a few beers with friends.

Ritchie was a passionate motorcyclist, and one club stalwart remembers their paths would often cross on the daily ride to and from work. Those moments became small rituals of their own — riding side by side between the lights, then catching up whenever they stopped. Without fail, the conversation would drift to rugby, the Club, and the players who meant so much to him.

Those journeys into London for work were for his career in the City. Richie worked in the Lloyds' Insurance &Reinsurance Market in the city for thirty years, on both the broking and underwriting sides. The last twenty five years for Miller Insurance Services, latterly as a Project Manager. As you would expect, he was well liked and highly regarded within the London insurance industry.

After Mel stopped him from motorcycling into work due to an accident, he simply replaced the motorcycle with his own motor, his legs. He would cycle into London for work in all weathers - as we know, he was hardy. Cycling with Richie was a joy- he would adjust his pace to the slowest in order to encourage others, but could also push it with the lads.

Another colleague who also played rugby with Richie fondly remembers him leading the cyclists out in a 'train' through the French countryside between Calais and Amiens. For an hour they were in their own Tour de France. Richie was the best person to cycle with- always had enough food supplies for everyone and could deal with any mechanical problems. His ability to speedily fix a puncture and help anyone was legendary. All the cyclists can still see those back row thumbs easily removing a tyre in the cold of winter when many of us had given up. His kit bag was like an Aladdin's Cave- he had everything and would share anything

While it was well known that Ritchie was a keen cyclist what truly stood out was the kindness that travelled with him wherever he went. He had a way of thinking about others before himself, often without saying a word about it.

Another fellow cyclist recounts how he hadn’t been cycling for long when he signed up for a charity ride with a few others from the Rugby Club. The weather that day was dreadful, and everyone was really struggling. Richie noticed immediately. He was a far more experienced and fitter cyclist, and he could easily have pushed on and finished well ahead of the field. Instead, " He chose to stay by my side for the entire event. He checked in on me constantly, encouraged me when I needed it most, and made sure I got to the finish line."

That day was just one example of the kind of man he was : and that’s how we will always be remembered.

Richie was a man of few words who, unlike many others did not seek to be the centre of attention.

Super strong on the pitch and a kind and patient man off it

He will be sorely missed.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Mel, Nathan and Mia.

Richie Clifford - RIP